Alissa, Mike, Godfrey, and Rachel discuss charter reform at the city and county, including the powerful new LA County CEO position voters will elect in 2028. Then, a referendum to overturn the Olympic Wage attempts to gather signatures, and homeowners accept buyouts to escape an ancient landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Note: This episode was recorded before LA saw ICE raids and detainments, countywide protests, and deployment of the National Guard. We’re watching developments closely and will get into all of that next week

Mayor Karen Bass finally made her charter commission appointments for the city

At the county, the Measure G task force meetings are underway

“That person will absolutely become the most powerful person”: Politico on the new County CEO role, featuring quotes from Mike

Los Angeles Times: “Businesses seek to overturn hotel and airport wage hikes by forcing a citywide election”

What the story doesn’t mention: Delta Airlines, which is bankrolling the referendum, is an LA28 partner!

If you see this referendum trying to gather signatures, don’t sign it!

Report signature gatherers and get more information at defendthewage.la

Meanwhile, a new Living Wage for All movement launched last week 

Ground movement in Palos Verdes started moving again after two wet winters — this was a KNOWN problem and the city was warned not to build there. LAist has a great backgrounder

In late 2024, homeowners were offered buyouts from the state and the feds; now 23 homeowners are taking the buyouts

The architectural treasure Wayfarers Chapel was rapidly disassembled as it was about to slide off the cliff, and may have found a new home

Meanwhile the city of Rancho Palos Verdes is going bankrupt trying to slow the ground movement

Take action to save city worker jobs and build affordable housing in Venice

Listen to the Bitchuation Room’s live show podcast featuring Rachel

Be sure to catch upcoming episodes of Mike’s show What’s Next, Los Angeles?

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Produced by Sophie Bridges